Initial appearance court (Intake, Transfer and Release)
The first court date after an arrest, within 24 hours. Release conditions, including any no-contact order, are set here.
2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85009
Tempe negligent homicide defense
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Before any interview, talk to a lawyer.
Most people facing a negligent homicide investigation never pictured themselves in a courtroom. A crash on a Tempe road or a lapse at work or home ends in a death, and soon a detective wants a statement. What you say and do in the first weeks can shape whether this stays an investigation or becomes a felony case.
We can help. Nova Law Group was built by a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and we take a meticulous, aggressive approach, fighting from every angle, because the report is only one side of the story.
Talk to us before you talk to anyone else. Call (480) 405-6767. Consultations are free and confidential, and the earlier we are involved, the more we can do.
FounderRyan TaitFormer Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutorMeet Ryan →★ 5-star reviewsFormer felony prosecutorAvailable after hoursFlat fee on most criminal casesFree, confidential consultation
The charges
How a Tempe negligent homicide case unfolds
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony booking into the county jail, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Tempe City Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, brings it in Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street.
Felony
The County Attorney brings it in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix, 201 W. Jefferson St. or 175 W. Madison St.
Other agencies
A DPS or Sheriff's case can be assigned to a county justice court. The citation names the court.
At the scene. For a crash on a Tempe street, the city's Traffic Section is the likely starting point; its page says its motor officers specialize in collisions, hit-and-run investigations and vehicular crimes. Other deaths may go to detectives; Tempe Police list a Homicide unit in the Violent Crimes Section. ASU Police have original jurisdiction on university property, and on the freeways the Department of Public Safety may lead.
Waiting for a decision. Charges often do not come that night. Reconstruction, vehicle downloads and blood results take time before the report reaches the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Its Vehicular Crimes Bureau prosecutes crimes involving motor vehicle collisions and reckless or impaired driving. A reviewing prosecutor can charge, decline, return the report for more work or refer it. The defense can gather its own evidence in that quiet period.
If charged as a felony. The case goes to Superior Court downtown, at the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower; confirm the building on your current notice. After a felony booking into the county jail, the first appearance is at the Initial Appearance Court on 28th Drive within 24 hours (Rule 4.1); the Sheriff's Office says Tempe holds its own initial appearances only for city charges.
If charged as a misdemeanor. Some fatal crashes are charged under § 28-672 instead, a class 1 misdemeanor tied to specific moving violations. Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street, hears misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe, so a city-filed § 28-672 count can be heard there, with the Tempe City Attorney's Criminal Division prosecuting. A misdemeanor from a DPS or Sheriff's Office investigation can be assigned to a county justice court instead. Follow the court named on your citation.
The vehicle and your phone. Officers may hold a car or phone as evidence. Ask your lawyer before requesting either back; the defense may want to inspect it first.
Keep away from the family of the person who died and from witnesses, post nothing about the crash, and speak with your lawyer before any insurer.
The law
Elements, class and ranges under § 13-1102
Negligent homicide means causing another person's death, including an unborn child, with criminal negligence (A.R.S. § 13-1102(A)). It is a class 4 felony (§ 13-1102(C)).
Criminal negligence, as § 13-105(10)(d) defines it, is a failure to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur, and the failure must be a gross deviation from the care a reasonable person would use in that situation. Ordinary carelessness is not enough. Seeing the risk and consciously ignoring it is recklessness instead (§ 13-105(10)(c)); recklessly causing a death is manslaughter (§ 13-1103(A)(1)), a class 2 felony.
Sentencing for a first offense depends on whether the State alleges and proves a dangerous offense, for instance a vehicle used as a dangerous instrument (§ 13-105(12)):
The misdemeanor alternative. Section 28-672(A) covers a listed moving violation that results in an accident causing serious physical injury or death, and § 28-672(I) makes it a class 1 misdemeanor. A first violation that caused a death brings a court-directed MVD suspension or restriction lasting 180 days to one year (§ 28-672(C)(1)) plus traffic survival school (§ 28-672(B)). The State has two years after discovery to bring it (§ 28-672(H)). Negligent homicide, by contrast, is a homicide under § 13-1101(2), so it can be charged at any time (§ 13-107(A)).
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we examine in a Tempe negligent homicide case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Once a conviction for a homicide resulting from operating a motor vehicle is final, MVD must revoke the license (§ 28-3304(A)(1)). Negligent homicide does not appear on the serious offense list in § 13-706(F)(1), so a conviction that is not dangerous may later be set aside under § 13-905 or sealed under § 13-911, which sets a five year wait for a class 4 felony (§ 13-911(E)(2)). Neither is available for a dangerous offense, and a set-aside is also barred where the victim was under fifteen (§§ 13-905(P), 13-911(O)(1)). A felony conviction suspends Arizona firearm rights until restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar, and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes certain convictions grounds for deportation.
The standard of care
What would a reasonable person have noticed there, given speed, sight lines, signals, lighting and weather?
Causation
Another driver's conduct, road design, a vehicle defect or the medical cause of death can break or weaken the link the State has to prove.
The data
Event data recorder downloads, measurements, video and phone records can go to an independent reconstructionist, and we seek early access to any impounded vehicle.
Impairment claims
When alcohol or drugs are alleged, we review how and when blood was drawn and ask where it was tested.
The right charge
A misdemeanor under § 28-672 may fit the facts better, and a weak dangerous allegation can fall away.
Your story, in context
Driving record, work and family can matter in negotiation and sentencing.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Statutes and references relied on above:
- § 13-1102, negligent homicide (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1103, manslaughter (azleg.gov)
- § 13-704, dangerous offenders (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first offense ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, probation terms (azleg.gov)
- § 28-672, moving violation causing death (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, homicide definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, time limits (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3304, license revocation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, serious offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-asides (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- Wex: vehicular homicide (Cornell LII)
- Wex: manslaughter (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm prohibitions (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable noncitizens (Cornell LII)
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A former prosecutor on your side of the crash
Nova Law Group was built by Ryan Tait, a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor. The practice is criminal defense first. We keep caseloads deliberately low, which means the lawyers on your case have time to actually watch the video and read the reports line by line. We take negligent homicide cases to trial when trial is the right pressure. Overcharging happens, and a case that is genuinely prepared for trial changes the conversation with the prosecutor. Most criminal cases are quoted as a flat fee. Consultations are free and confidential.
Former felony prosecutorBuilt by a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor.
Low caseloadsTime to watch the video and read the reports line by line.
Ready for trialA case prepared for trial changes the conversation with the prosecutor.
Flat feeMost criminal cases are quoted as a flat fee. Consultations are free and confidential.
Our office
Meet us on Camelback Road
Office: 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018, by appointment.
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Resources
Tempe courts and official links
Where a Tempe case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some offices are in Tempe and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Maricopa County Attorney's Office
Decides felony charges in Maricopa County and prosecutes them in Superior Court.
225 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Maricopa County Superior Court, downtown
Felony cases prosecuted by the County Attorney. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Tempe Municipal Court
Tempe misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (480) 350-8271.
140 E. Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-1102, Negligent homicide; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1103, Manslaughter; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-704, Dangerous offenders; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 28-672, Causing serious physical injury or death by a moving violation; time limitation; penalties; violation; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 28-3304, Mandatory revocation of license; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Tempe negligent homicide questions
Not necessarily. Reconstruction, vehicle data and lab results come in slowly, so a charging decision by the County Attorney's office can take weeks or months. A homicide can be charged at any time. Use that period: talk to a lawyer before any further statement, keep your own photos and dash camera recordings, and write down what you remember while it is fresh.
Only if it is charged as a misdemeanor, such as § 28-672, from a Tempe city case. Tempe Municipal Court handles misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases arising in Tempe. Negligent homicide is a felony, so it goes to Superior Court downtown. If DPS or the Sheriff's Office investigated, a misdemeanor may go to a county justice court. Your citation or summons names the court, and that notice controls.
Possibly, and in more than one way. On a felony, § 28-3304(A)(1) makes revocation mandatory once a conviction for a driving-related homicide becomes final. On the misdemeanor, a first § 28-672 violation that caused a death brings a court-ordered suspension or restriction, 180 days at the least. While the case is pending, release terms may restrict driving too.
Sometimes. Because it is not on Arizona's serious offense list, a non-dangerous conviction may qualify for a set-aside under § 13-905 or for sealing under § 13-911 after a five year wait for a class 4 felony. A dangerous offense cannot be sealed or set aside, which is one more reason to contest that allegation early. See Tempe record sealing (Tempe record sealing).
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Talk to us before the reconstruction report
Call (480) 405-6767. If an investigator or insurer wants a recorded statement, phone rather than use the form.
Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., by appointment.
Client reviews
Hear What Our Clients Say
From our Google reviews, plus Yelp and Avvo. These are clients’ own words, reproduced from our review profiles.
★★★★★
“These guys are the best attorneys in all of Arizona. It is definitely the most professional group of lawyers… I recommend this firm!”
★★★★★
“Sydney was extremely thorough regarding every single detail of my criminal case… it ultimately resulted in a clear and powerful win for my case.”
★★★★★
“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
★★★★★
“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
★★★★★
“The best law firm that I have ever dealt with. The amount of passion & commitment that they dedicated for my case… truly what separated them from other law firms.”
★★★★★
“Oh my goodness, our lawyer Ryan Tait was amazing. He does what he says he’s going to do. A very patient lawyer… He’s a miracle worker.”
★★★★★
“I was being charged with a few felony counts and facing a few years in prison… I made the best choice of my life calling this law firm.”
★★★★★
“…they reached out to one of their attorneys and confirmed my suspicions; I’ve been worried this whole time about criminal charges, they put my fears to rest. HIGHLY recommend them.”
★★★★★
“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”
★★★★★
“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
★★★★★
“If you’re looking for a law group that truly cares about you and makes a difficult situation less stressful, these are your people… Alexis was my lawyer, and she was truly heaven-sent.”
★★★★★
“Alexis Brooks was my lawyer… She was extremely professional yet down to earth and always made me feel at ease and confident in my case. I would definitely recommend her for anyone that needs an excellent defense attorney.”
★★★★★
“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
★★★★★
“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”
★★★★★
“We hired Mr. Tait to handle a legal affair for a member of our family. It was a complex criminal case that required over two years of work! Through the entire effort, Mr. Tait kept us informed…”
★★★★★
“My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member… He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing.”
★★★★★
“Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm!”
★★★★★
“Very good at what they do… they were always on top of everything didn’t really have to do much they took care of everything…”
★★★★★
“These guys are great!! They did a great job on my case, super consistent and helpful. Definitely will recommend them to anyone.”
★★★★★
“Excellent lawyers… and their honesty, and they helped me even though I do not live in Arizona.”
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reseñas de clientes
Lo que dicen nuestros clientes
De nuestras reseñas en Google, además de Yelp y Avvo. Son las palabras de nuestros clientes, tomadas de nuestros perfiles de reseñas y traducidas del inglés.
★★★★★
“Son los mejores abogados de todo Arizona. Sin duda es el grupo de abogados más profesional… ¡Recomiendo esta firma!”
★★★★★
“Sydney fue sumamente minuciosa con cada detalle de mi caso penal… al final, eso resultó en una victoria clara y contundente para mi caso.”
★★★★★
“Lucharon incansablemente por mi caso y me ayudaron a lograr un resultado favorable. Servicio y resultados excepcionales.”
★★★★★
“La firma me brindó la representación legal más profesional posible. El Sr. Ryan Tait me explicó con paciencia… más allá de mis expectativas.”
★★★★★
“La mejor firma de abogados con la que he tratado. La pasión y el compromiso que dedicaron a mi caso… es lo que realmente los distinguió de otras firmas.”
★★★★★
“¡Dios mío, nuestro abogado Ryan Tait fue increíble! Cumple lo que dice que va a hacer. Un abogado muy paciente… Hace milagros.”
★★★★★
“Me acusaban de varios cargos por delitos graves y me enfrentaba a unos años de prisión… Tomé la mejor decisión de mi vida al llamar a esta firma.”
★★★★★
“…se comunicaron con uno de sus abogados y confirmaron mis sospechas; había estado preocupado todo este tiempo por posibles cargos penales, y calmaron mis temores. Los recomiendo MUCHÍSIMO.”
★★★★★
“Orientación útil y clara en un momento de incertidumbre. Muy recomendables.”
★★★★★
“Ryan Tait fue increíble y de gran ayuda. Lo recomendaría.”
★★★★★
“Si busca un despacho que de verdad se preocupe por usted y haga que una situación difícil sea menos estresante, esta es su gente… Alexis fue mi abogada, y fue una verdadera bendición.”
★★★★★
“Alexis Brooks fue mi abogada… Fue sumamente profesional y a la vez sencilla, y siempre me hizo sentir tranquilo y seguro con mi caso. Sin duda la recomendaría a cualquiera que necesite una excelente abogada defensora.”
★★★★★
“¡Representación espectacular! Sydney fue muy compasiva, diligente y profesional. No puedo recomendarla lo suficiente.”
★★★★★
“…Ryan y su equipo son amables, comprensivos y saben escuchar. Cada miembro de su equipo demostró estar bien preparado, con conocimiento y gran profesionalismo.”
★★★★★
“Contratamos al Sr. Tait para encargarse de un asunto legal de un miembro de nuestra familia. Fue un caso penal complejo que requirió más de dos años de trabajo. Durante todo el proceso, el Sr. Tait nos mantuvo informados…”
★★★★★
“Mi familia contrató a Ryan Tait para luchar por un familiar… Nos explicó todos los pros y los contras. Respondió todas nuestras preguntas y llamadas. Sabe lo que hace.”
★★★★★
“Ryan es absolutamente increíble y profesional. Me dio todos los consejos detallados que necesitaba. Es amable y paciente. ¡Sin duda recomiendo a Ryan y a su bufete!”
★★★★★
“Muy buenos en lo que hacen… siempre estuvieron al tanto de todo; casi no tuve que hacer nada, ellos se encargaron de todo…”
★★★★★
“¡Son excelentes! Hicieron un gran trabajo en mi caso, muy constantes y serviciales. Sin duda los recomendaré a cualquiera.”
★★★★★
“Excelentes abogados… y su honestidad y eso que me ayudaron que yo no vivo en Arizona”
Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar.
Talk to a Tempe criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Tempe, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Tempe Municipal Court and the justice courts, and felonies in Maricopa County Superior Court downtown.
Free, confidential consultation: (480) 405-6767
Prefer not to call? Send us your case details and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Tempe courts
- Tempe Municipal CourtMisdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Court website Directions
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors. Your citation names the court.Find your court
- Maricopa County Superior CourtFelonies, at the downtown criminal court complex.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Court website Directions
Our office: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., by appointment. Directions
Hable con un abogado de defensa penal en Tempe
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Tempe, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Tempe y en las cortes de justicia, y delitos graves en la Corte Superior del Condado de Maricopa en el centro de Phoenix.
Consulta gratuita y confidencial: (480) 405-6767
¿Prefiere no llamar? Envíenos los detalles de su caso y un miembro de nuestro equipo se comunicará con usted.
Cortes de Tempe
- Corte Municipal de TempeDelitos menores y casos penales de tránsito dentro de Tempe. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.Busque su corte
- Corte Superior del Condado de MaricopaDelitos graves, en el complejo penal del centro.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
Nuestra oficina: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., con cita previa. Cómo llegar
RecognitionReconocimientos
Awards and ratingsPremios y calificaciones
Awards and ratings reflect the standards of the organizations that issue them. They do not predict the outcome of any case.Los premios y las calificaciones reflejan los criterios de las organizaciones que los otorgan. No predicen el resultado de ningún caso.